A Pride Month Story: Shursh's Journey

Imagine facing criminal persecution for simply being who you are. That terrible reality led Shursh Shabanov, an LGBTQ individual, to flee his home country of Russia for Israel, where Project Kesher Israel helped him and his wife navigate the complex immigration process, learn Hebrew in a setting that provided a strong sense of emotional safety, and find a larger, like-minded community.

Shursh is just one of countless LGBTQ immigrants and refugees who have received critical assistance from Project Kesher Israel. The organization has served as a lifeline for these individuals who’ve bravely made aliyah in order to build new lives.

According to Shursh, it was difficult to walk away from everything he had with his wife in Russia, but Project Kesher Israel made it possible for the couple to integrate into Israeli society. He says, “here I can just be me, and be openly with my wife in public, and hold hands without being afraid.”